The origins of honeymoons

By Moran Sapir, Aug 31, 2018

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Walking down the aisle is just the start of it all for newlyweds. After the big day is all said and done, it’s time to think about heading off on a honeymoon. But where did this tradition come from? Is jetting abroad a modern day concept, or have people been itching to get away since way back in the day? It’s time to look at the origins of honeymoons to seek out the answers we’re looking for.

The origin of the word “honeymoon”

Before even thinking about booking plane tickets and heading off somewhere exotic, it’s important to find out where the word “honeymoon” comes from in the first place, right? This might give us some clues we’re looking for, too. It’s thought the word was first used back in the 5th century. Newlyweds at the time would often help themselves to a glass of honey-based mead on the first moon as a married couple. The guests would buy the drink, and it was believed to help with conception.

A downer on it all

While this might be how the word came to exist, not everyone has always been happy with the idea of a honeymoon. In fact, during the 1500s, author Richard Huloet was quick to point out his criticisms with the idea of a honeymoon. The author, who wrote the word as “honey mone,” believed having a honeymoon was out of the question. Why? Because he thought although couples believed they were happy, the relationship would never last that long. Ouch.

Runaway bride

Others believe there is a different origin of honeymoons that goes against the mead-drinking events of the 5th century. It’s thought that grooms would once kidnap their brides for a few weeks after the big day was all said and done. Sure, the bride and groom might have just declared their love for each other, but the groom reportedly wanted to make sure he kept his new wife. It’s thought they would go into hiding until the bride’s family gave up the search for their relation.

Some alone time at last

It wasn’t until the 19th century over in Britain that we got our first glimpse at a modern honeymoon, but there were still some major differences to the vacations we know and love today. Brides and grooms all across the nation would travel off after the big day, but there was no time for spending it alone. Instead, they would visit members of their family who were unable to see the big day with their own eyes. This went on all the way until the end of the century.

Increased travel = increased honeymoons

As travel became more widely available, and cheaper, more and more couples began to use the time after their wedding day to get away from it all and head off on honeymoon. For the first time, they were able to see the world as well as settle into life as newlyweds. The best bit? They could get away from their family and friends meaning there was only time to spend as husband and wife. It was perfect.

The modern honeymoon

Amazingly, honeymoons have seen another overhaul in recent years. People are now working more than ever and might not have the time to take off work to head away. So what do they do? Head on a mini-moon instead! This is a few days away somewhere nearby that doesn’t cost a fortune. Couples then have the chance to save up for a bigger vacation when they have the funds. Two honeymoons? Yes, please!

Who would have thought that honeymoons have been around for so many hundreds of years? Although they might not have always looked the way they do now, these honeymoons have always meant something special to newlyweds everywhere.